Troops Neutralised Dozens of Terrorists in Niger, Borno, Disrupt Local Collaborators Network
In a series of decisive counter-terrorism operations, Nigerian troops successfully repelled separate terrorist attacks in Niger and Borno states, neutralizing scores of insurgents and exposing alarming networks of local collaborators aiding the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
On Tuesday, July 22, troops of the Nigerian Army thwarted a major assault on Warari, a community in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State. The attack, orchestrated by heavily armed bandits believed to be behind recent violence in the region, was repelled after over four hours of intense combat. Eyewitnesses confirmed that many of the attackers were killed, with several others gunned down while attempting to flee on motorcycles.
Local sources indicated that the death toll among the terrorists was significant, though official casualty figures are yet to be released. The community, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, lined the streets to cheer the returning soldiers, praising their bravery and urging sustained military presence to deter future attacks.
Meanwhile, in the northeastern part of the country, troops under Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated ISWAP assault on Bitta, a strategic town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The July 21 attack, masterminded by a high-ranking ISWAP commander and executed by fighters from the Sambisa Forest axis, was met with stiff resistance from the Nigerian military, forcing the terrorists into a hasty withdrawal.
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According to intelligence gathered, the foiled attack exposed a disturbing network of ISWAP sympathizers embedded within the Bitta community. Evidence suggests that most of the looting and burning during the raid were carried out by local collaborators, not the terrorists themselves. Informants within the town reportedly leaked critical information on troop movements to ISWAP, compromising operational integrity and underscoring the urgent need for internal security reforms.
Tragically, one civilian casualty during the operation was later identified as a suspected ISWAP informant, killed by a stray bullet during the chaos.
Despite these complexities, troops neutralized several insurgents during the firefight. While ISWAP is known to retrieve its dead to mask losses, at least one body was recovered, along with a camcorder belonging to the group’s media unit. The device, believed to contain propaganda footage and internal communications, is considered a key intelligence asset for ongoing investigations.
Military officials have since placed the Sabil Huda axis in Sambisa Forest—where the terrorists reportedly retreated—under close surveillance, with further air and ground interdictions anticipated.
The swift deployment of reinforcements and the frontline presence of the Brigade Commander and Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) have been praised as strong leadership moves that boosted troop morale and response effectiveness.
Security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to rooting out both armed insurgents and their civilian enablers. Authorities warn that the threats in both Niger and Borno remain active and evolving, and call for heightened vigilance, robust intelligence gathering, and stronger community collaboration to prevent future attacks.
These recent successes, though significant, reflect the complex and multi-layered nature of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry—a battle that requires not just military might but also the dismantling of internal support networks that fuel insurgency from within.
By PRNigeria
